The Mintec Benchmark Prices for Grade 1 White Packing Potatoes EXW England [Mintec Code: POWP] reached £330/mt on 9th May 2023, up 22% month-on-month (m-o-m). The recent rise in prices has been driven by concerns that planting delays, due to heavy rainfall will push back the arrival of the early crop, placing additional pressure on dwindling free-buy supplies.
The increase in prices for white packing potatoes has not occurred to the same extent in Maris Piper prices, with the Mintec Benchmark Prices for Grade 1 Packing Maris Piper EXW England [Mintec Code: KZ03] assessed at £300/mt on 9th May 2023, £30/mt under the price for packing whites.
Traditionally, packing Maris Piper would be priced at a premium over white potatoes. However, according to market sources, supermarkets expanded the proportion of Maris Piper bought under contract this season, reducing demand for free-buy supplies and weighing on prices. As a result, growers have reportedly been selling Maris Piper as packing whites, as the traditional premium associated with the variety has not materialised this season.